Kandy curfew until Thursday 4.00 p.m

The curfew imposed in the Kandy district will be effective until 4.00 p.m. tomorrow,  but could be relaxed depending on the improve of the security situation overnight, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Kapila Waidyaratne PC said today.

Mr Waidyaratne told a news conference that necessary regulations have been promulgated giving powers to the security forces and police to control the situation. “All these measures have been taken to protect the public”, he said.

He said that control of the social media also was one of the measures taken to protect the public.

Additional Solicitor General and President's Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda explained that the Extraordinary Gazette notification issued on Tuesday was drafted keeping with present requirements.

He said that the notification gives powers to the armed forces to arrest persons, but they should be handed over to the police.

Secretary to the President Austin Fernando said that an update will be given about the number of persons arrested and about the security situation by tomorrow morning.